Podcast Summary: Just the News No Noise with John Solomon and Amanda Head

Date: February 26th, 2026
Podcast: Real America’s Voice (iHeartPodcasts)
Episode Theme: The Tin Plate Crisis: Tariffs, Can Manufacturing, and the Ripple Effect on America’s Food Supply

Main Theme Overview

This episode delivers a deep-dive investigation into the ramifications of recent steel tariffs—specifically as they relate to tin plate, a specialized steel necessary for canned food packaging. Host John Solomon, with guests from the can manufacturing and farming sectors, as well as lawmakers, elucidates the effects of tariff hikes on domestic production, consumer prices, food security, and American jobs. The show also explores possible solutions involving targeted tariff relief and revitalizing American tin plate production.

Key Segments, Insights & Quotes

1. Setting the Stage: Why Tin Plate Matters

[02:31–06:14]

• Intro by John Solomon:

  • Tin plate is used in almost every canned food product in America.
  • Due to foreign competition and domestic regulations, the US now depends heavily on imported tin plate.
  • Recent tariffs—50% on foreign steel, up from 25%—are causing prices of canned goods to rise, impacting farmers and consumers.
  • “It is truly a dinner table, kitchen table issue and we’re going to dive right in.” – John Solomon (05:32)

• Statistics:

  • Canned food prices in the Midwest up noticeably over the past year (e.g., canned soup +22.3% in September).

2. Industry Perspectives: Can Manufacturers on the Front Lines

Guests:

• Scott Green (President, Can Manufacturers Institute)
• Robert Gatz (VP & GM, Can Corporation of America)

[05:55–13:26]

Industry Scope and Tariff Impact

• US produces 135 billion cans/year, employing about 28,000 Americans.

• Tin plate steel represents only 1% of total steel usage but is crucial for food safety and security.

• “A lot of people don’t think about the metal can and what goes into it... But we are making a lot of metal cans in this country.” – Scott Green (06:14)

• Loss of domestic supply:

  • “We used to have 12 operating lines… now it's only down to three since 2018.” – Robert Gatz (07:39)
  • Shift caused by foreign dumping (especially China), lack of US investment, and regulatory burdens.

• Tariffs aren’t stimulating tinplate investment:

  • “This 50% tariff is not stimulating investment in domestic tinplate. Haven’t seen it since 2018… All that's happening is added costs that flow through to American can manufacturers, farmers, and ultimately consumers.” – Scott Green (09:57)

Downstream Effects

• Can manufacturers forced to import tin plate, raising costs.

• Increase in imports of finished canned goods from countries like China, hurting US farmers and raising food security concerns.

• “Steel can… has a lot of properties in it... a lot of science, a lot of engineering... as things are coming in from overseas, we have no certainty.” – Robert Gatz (12:11)

• Consumers are urged to check country-of-origin labels on cans.

  • “Turn it around, take a look at the country of origin, and it's going to be in very, very small print.” – Robert Gatz (16:10)

Policy Solutions Discussed

• Need for a “thread the needle” approach: targeted tariff relief on tin plate, investment in domestic production, and protection from unfair trade long-term.
• “We stimulate domestic tin plate production, but also make sure we have strong American can manufacturing, farming, and reduced prices for the American consumer.” – Scott Green (14:03)

3. Legislative and Political Angle: Senator Ron Johnson (WI)

[22:02–32:54]

• Senator Johnson highlights strategic importance of domestic supply in tin plate, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals.

• Cautions on Chinese market distortions: “China has just destroyed in many cases by overcapacity of steel… their communist planning has destroyed kind of free market pricing.” (23:33)

• Argues for flexibility in tariffs where US capacity doesn’t exist.

  • Calls out the impact of energy costs, deregulation, and tax reform on affordability.

• Manufacturing Renaissance:

  • “There are great jobs in manufacturing and the trades… we need to educate our young people, make sure they have all options.” (28:38)

• On party alignment:

  • “We are now the party of the working men and women of this country. And I'm proud of that fact.” (30:47)

4. The Farmer Perspective: On the Ground Consequences

Guests:

• Paul Canning (Montana pulse crop farmer)
• Glenn Abbott (Indiana tomato/corn/soy farmer)

[43:20–48:52]

• Farms are generational enterprises facing economic stress.

• “That can is the bridge my farm and the American pantry. And when that bridge becomes too expensive, then farmers lose, American consumers lose.” – Paul Canning (45:06)

• Tariffs mean:

  • Lower farm-gate prices (pulse crops at 15-year lows).
  • Increased risk of US processors (e.g., Red Gold) losing out to foreign finished goods.
  • “Companies across the seas could put a crop, some of ours, into a can and ship it here cheaper than we can put it in the can liter markets away.” – Glenn Abbott (46:17)

• Call to Action:

  • “Tariff reform… this is an unintended consequence. They did not intend to put a company like Red Gold and therefore the farmer… in a pinch where they can’t compete.” – Glenn Abbott (47:11)

5. Congressional Insight: Rep. Tom McClintock (CA)

[34:06–42:55]

• Frames the issue as part of a wider crisis: “Government is not the solution to our problems. Government is the problem.”

• Blames high regulatory costs and taxation for driving industries (including tin plate) offshore.

• “We can compete very effectively against foreign competition. We can't compete against our own self-inflicted wounds by piling regulations upon taxes upon more regulations.” (34:34)

• Advocates for slashing regulations and targeted/timed tariff relief:

  • “Tariffs come with a steep price… it’s largely paid by [consumers].” (41:36)

• Highlights positive economic trends due to administration’s past reforms: rising real wages, increasing labor participation, and improved inflation.

6. National Security & Food Safety Concerns

[49:54–52:46]

• Importation of canned goods from countries with different standards (e.g., China) raises risks: unknown pesticides, food safety standards, and even potential for contamination.
• “There's just a lot of different elements… cheaper food to come in from overseas… but the optimism that Tom McClintock had, that Ron Johnson had, that the administration will get this right.” – John Solomon (49:54)

Memorable Quotes & Notable Moments

• “A lot of people don’t think about the metal can and what goes into it… but it has a significant impact on our economy, national security, and public health.” – Scott Green (06:14)
• “We used to have 12 operating lines… now it's only down to three since 2018.” – Robert Gatz (07:39)
• “Turn it around, take a look at the country of origin, and it's going to be in very, very small print.” – Robert Gatz (16:10)
• “Government is not the solution… Government is the problem.” – Tom McClintock (34:34)
• “That can is the bridge my farm and the American pantry. And when that bridge becomes too expensive, then farmers lose, American consumers lose, and grocery bills get too high.” – Paul Canning (45:06)
• “We are now the party of the working men and women of this country.” – Senator Ron Johnson (30:47)

Timeline of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | Key Points | |---------------|--------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:31 | Show Introduction | Why tin plate matters to consumers and the US economy | | 05:55 | Can Manufacturing Industry | Tariff impacts, job data, industry struggles, solutions | | 13:02 | Food Security and Safety | National security concerns with foreign canned goods | | 22:02 | Political / Legislative Discussion | Sen. Ron Johnson: US manufacturing, tariffs, job growth, and affordability | | 34:06 | California Farmer’s/Food Perspective | Rep. McClintock on regulation, tariffs, American competitiveness | | 43:20 | Farmer Roundtable | How tariffs impact farmer income, generational viability, and market competition | | 49:54 | National Security Wrap-Up | Risks of foreign-supplied cans and optimism for policy solutions | | 52:46 | End of Episode Themes | Urgency for economic and food security reforms, hope for domestic industry resurgence |

Actionable Takeaways

• Urgency for targeted tariff relief on tin plate so American can manufacturers and farmers can remain competitive and consumers afford food staples.
• Invest in rebuilding domestic tin plate capacity with time-limited policy adjustments to foster an American supply chain.
• Advocate for transparent labeling so consumers can choose domestically produced canned goods.
• Contact legislators if you care about keeping American food secure, affordable, and grown/made in the USA.

Conclusion

The episode weaves together expert insights, personal stories, and legislative perspectives to illuminate a deceptively simple issue: the future of America’s canned food is tied to steel tariffs, global supply chains, and manufacturing resilience. The consensus among guests and hosts is that smart, targeted policy can address immediate problems while laying the groundwork for American industry and food security in the years to come.